Water damage is one of the most common issues found in the average property. Unexpectedly severe weather can strike anywhere, anytime, and you need to be ready. Here are some methods you can explore for protecting against the most common problems.

Seal Up Your Home

You need to make absolutely sure that all of the nooks, crannies, and cracks that lead to the outside are properly sealed. This could include windows, doors, pet flaps, skylights, and any other possible exit or entrance that water could get through. A problem with the window or door fitting into the frame properly would seem to be an issue primarily with older homes, but it’s good to check regardless. Make sure that the caulk is sealed around the window edges. If there are leaks, you can usually give it a fresh coat of caulk to fix the problem. If you’re in an area where hurricanes or other forms of extreme weather are relatively common, you may want to think about getting storm windows.

Get an Inspection

A home is a complicated, interwoven system. If you want to be absolutely sure that you don’t have potential problems with water damage, the best course of action is to get an inspection from a professional. A professional inspector will have the expertise, experience, and skill to spot small issues that may be invisible to the average homeowner. Small problems, after all, tend to build up larger and larger until they create something a lot more problematic and a lot more expensive to repair. Other parts of the home may have advanced problems beyond your skill. For example, gutters require professional inspection to ensure they are in proper condition.

Be Ready for Disaster

Again, your location is going to factor a lot into how you prepare for a potential disaster. Hurricanes, flash floods, mudslides, tornadoes, and heavy rain can all lead to sudden disasters. Some coastal or tropical areas might be more prone to these than others, of course – but it’s far better to be safe than sorry. Find out what you need to do to fortify your house against such possibilities in your given location. Some solutions will be more expensive and comprehensive than others, so make decisions accordingly.

Water damage can be a real problem. Every year, thousands of homes are crippled by water damage in one way or another. The question is – how much of that could have been prevented with the proper research and investments?

Check out this article on why you need to watch for water on your property!